MAKING WAVES

Ex-NFL Player and Charter Captain

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After spending eight seasons on four different teams in the NFL and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, former wide receiver Domenik Hixon hung up his cleats and became a charter fishing captain in Pensacola, Florida. We caught up with him to find out about trading touchdowns for tuna. —Pete McDonald

You played for Denver, New York, Charlotte and Chicago. Did you have a favorite place to play?

Coming out of college, I just wanted an opportunity, so I felt happy to play anywhere in the NFL. I played for eight seasons in the NFL. I was definitely blessed to be in the league for so long and spend so much time with a quality organization like the New York Giants. When did you decide to become a charter captain? It was an excuse to have a boat! After I finished up playing football, you try to make that transition to something else. I enjoy fishing and meeting people.

As a charter captain, you need the right boat. What kind of boat do you run now?

I run a 33 Contender with twin Suzuki 350s. For us in the Gulf of Mexico, the name of the game is range. With 450 gallons of fuel and those Suzukis, we can run a long way. I bet owning a boat is a good way to get your old teammates to visit. Oh yeah, I’ve taken a few of them out on the boat. It’s always a great time. And there’s comedic relief when your really strong friend from the NFL is sweating and struggling to reel in an 8-pound snapper.